6 Oversights That Can Lead to a Stroke

October 26, 2018

If you believe that having a stroke is an entirely unforeseeable occurrence, then you may not be entirely right. While a stroke does tend to make an appearance suddenly out of the blue, several elements related to the way you lead your life, and the environment that you live in, set the stage for strokes. Slotting it as a condition that only affects seniors is incorrect as it can affect anyone at any time.

It is, therefore, vital for everyone to understand the fundamental workings of a stroke so that he or she can avert severe mishaps. Anything that interrupts the supply of oxygen-carrying blood to the brain can trigger a stroke. This could be as a result of a blockage or a broken blood vessel in the brain.

It may not be possible to control the exact cause of a stroke, but you can focus on changing habits and patterns that increase your risk of having one in the future. Some of these risk factors are as follows:

Failing to Regulate Cholesterol Levels – High cholesterol levels can occur due to a fat-rich diet which can increase your chances of arterial blockage and, consequently, can cause a stroke. Eliminating foods that contain trans and saturated fats can help curb the risk of a stroke.

Ignoring Signs of Hypertension – Blood pressure, that is constantly off the charts, leads to deterioration of arterial health by inducing calcification and loss of elasticity. Getting regular health evaluations to detect hypertension and start treatment for it is a critical step to avoid possibilities of a stroke. Limiting your salt intake is also beneficial.

Lethargy and Physical Inactivity – A daily routine that does not include physical exercise is the first step towards hypertension and high cholesterol, both of which increase your stroke-susceptibility. Something as simple as a 30-minute brisk walk is good enough to avert this risk.

Consuming Excessive Alcohol Regularly – Physicians recommend not more than one alcoholic drink for women and two for men per day. Habitually exceeding these limits can lead to elevated blood pressure and subsequently a stroke.

Overlooking Arterial Disease – Arterial damage restricts a good quantity of blood from flowing to the brain which, in turn, hikes your probability of having a stroke. Carotid Artery Disease and other similar conditions should be taken seriously. Taking your medications timely without fail will help avoid worsening the situation.

Mismanaging Diabetes – If you have diabetes, you are at a much higher chance of having a stroke as compared to non-diabetics especially if you are unable to manage your condition properly. Controlling your blood sugar, cholesterol, and blood pressure levels can prove to be very useful in cutting down your chances of having a stroke.

For more exciting information like this subscribe to our updates here and follow us on our Facebook and Instagram handles!